EMSI CONFERENCE PRESENTATION BY KAREN ELZEY September 11, 2012

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What is Skills for America’s Future?  Skills for America’s Future (SAF) is a non-partisan, employer-led initiative of the Aspen Institute.  It is a national network of partnerships among employers, community colleges, industry associations and other stakeholders.  These partnerships are designed to ensure that American workers receive the necessary training to meet the skill needs of employers, giving them the opportunity to obtain and keep good jobs. 4

Vision 5 America’s 21st century competitiveness depends on a workforce that can contribute up-to-date skills to grow our economy. Providing Americans with the opportunities to develop these skills will benefit each individual in his or her pursuit of a fulfilling life and help make America’s businesses more productive, innovative, and competitive. To help achieve this vision, Skills for America’s Future will take on two key roles: 1.As a catalyst for change 2.As a thought-leader and constructive partner

Unique Features  SAF can capitalize on opportunities because of two features: 6 Business As Full Partner Credible Broker and Unique Convener

Goals 7 Increase the Number of Employer- Community College Partnerships Grow a National Network Develop Peer Learning Opportunities Raise National Profile and Elevate Skills Issue Inform Policy Change

Partnership Types 8 Training a New Worker Pipeline Expanding Current Employee Skills and Knowledge Providing an Overall Community Benefit

Achievements 9 1. Identified, brokered or expanded partnerships 2. Shared models of success 3. Raised awareness of skills gap and solutions 4. Created a coalition of business leaders to support workforce development policies

PG&E PowerPathway™ Program 10 Utility worker hopefuls climb to new heights.

DiscoverYourSkills.com 11

Grainger Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship  Program Two Mississippi Gulf Community College students awarded scholarships Opportunities in the skilled trades Students receive a Westward® Toolkit upon graduation 12 Images Sources: Mississippi Gulf Community College; Grainger

13 Thank You Karen Elzey Director, Skills for America’s Future The Aspen Institute 1 Dupont Circle, Suite 700 Washington, DC